Many patients assume that the problem of gallstones completely disappears after surgical removal of the gallbladder. However, a case that occurred at the GSVM medical college in Kanapura requires rethinking this notion. One patient had his gallbladder removed 29 years ago, but abdominal pain persisted. Examination revealed stones in the bile duct. Despite six previous surgeries, the problem was not resolved. Eventually, the team led by the GSVM medical college chief physician, Dr. Sanjay Kaly, performed a seventh operation, during which 70 stones were removed from the bile duct. According to the doctors, the patient is currently experiencing pain relief.
The patient from Bilhaura first sought help for abdominal pain about 29 years ago. Diagnostics revealed gallstones, leading to gallbladder removal surgery in 1997. The patient expected the stone problem to be solved permanently, as it is commonly believed that new stones do not form after gallbladder removal. Nevertheless, after some time, he experienced abdominal pain again. Subsequent examination showed that the stones were located in the bile duct. He underwent repeat treatment in 2019, but the problem was not fully eliminated, and the pain recurred.
The patient's problems did not cease. In 2026, during June, July, August, and September, he required four ERCP procedures. The goal of this procedure was to extract stones from the bile duct. However, this did not bring permanent pain relief. Due to the constant recurrence of stones in the bile duct, the patient became extremely worried. Ultimately, he came to the GSVM medical college in Kanapura and discussed his issue with the chief physician, Dr. Sanjay Kaly, in outpatient practice. The patient provided the doctor with complete information regarding his past surgeries, examinations, and treatments. Considering his extensive medical history, the case was re-examined.
After reviewing the patient's medical history, the chief physician of GSVM medical college, Dr. Sanjay Kala, developed a treatment plan with his team, which also included Dr. Anurag Singh. The doctors thoroughly examined the state of the patient's bile duct using intraoperative colonoscopy. This technique allows for direct visualization of stones inside the bile duct and assessment of their position. During the examination, a large number of stones were discovered in the bile duct. The doctors then began removing them sequentially. After completing the procedure, the bile duct was rechecked to ensure no stones remained. Upon counting the removed stones, there were 70. For a patient who had suffered from pain and repeated treatments for a long time, this was a significant relief.
According to Dr. Sanjay Kaly, this patient had a predisposition to stone formation specifically in the bile duct. This is why his problem persisted despite the gallbladder removal and multiple treatments. In fact, the gallbladder and the bile duct are different structures. Even after gallbladder removal, some patients may have stones remaining in the bile duct or they may appear in the future. Therefore, if pain persists after surgery, its cause must be determined. The doctor noted that the patient's bile duct stones were removed, and a follow-up check revealed no other stones. The patient now feels pain relief.
The patient shared his opinion, stating that 29 years ago he had his gallbladder removed, believing the stone problem would not recur because it is a common belief. However, this did not happen to him. He constantly suffered from pain and had to undergo numerous surgeries and procedures. The patient expressed gratitude to Dr. Sanjay Kale and his team for removing all the stones from his bile duct, which brought him relief.